Skullcandy has been well-known as a popular choice for budget-friendly headphones and earbuds, but it hasn’t usually been linked with top-tier audio. That could soon change.
In an unexpected development, Skullcandy has collaborated with Bose to unveil its new product: the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds. These earbuds utilize audio technology engineered by Bose, marking a significant enhancement in sound quality for the brand. Officially launched at an event on April 15 with new brand ambassador Tony Hawk, the Method 360 ANC earbuds are now available for purchase.
Even with the improved sound quality, Skullcandy is keeping the price reasonable. The earbuds are being introduced at a promotional launch price of $99.99, which will increase to $129.99 in the future. Once the price rises, the Method 360s will be the most expensive earbuds in Skullcandy’s offerings—though they currently have the same price point as the Push ANC Active earbuds during the sale.
A Skullcandy spokesperson informed Mashable that there is no set end date for the introductory price, noting, “We’re committed to providing premium sound to customers at an accessible price for as long as we can.”
To give context to the pricing, the cheapest earbuds from Bose start at $179.99, occasionally decreasing to around $150 during promotions, and even hitting a low of $129. At that value, Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds were seen as a reasonable budget-friendly choice. Nevertheless, Skullcandy asserts that the Method 360s provide sound quality comparable to earbuds that cost two to three times more, stating, “Sound quality is subjective to individual preference, but we’re assured they outperform anything in this price range and are comparable to many higher-priced options.”
If these assertions prove accurate, Skullcandy could present a notable challenge to Bose in the affordable premium market. While the Method 360s are still awaiting comprehensive hands-on evaluations, initial reactions indicate they could be transformative.
In addition to the Bose-enhanced audio, the Method 360 ANC earbuds come loaded with features intended to enhance the listening experience, such as:
– Adjustable four-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation
– Up to 9 hours of battery life with ANC activated (11 hours without), plus an additional 23–29 hours from the charging case
– A distinctive slider-style case featuring an O-ring clip for easy portability
– Three sizes of ear fins and gel tips for a personalized fit
– Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
– A companion app providing both preset and custom EQ settings
– Google Fast Pair support
– Bluetooth 5.3 and LE connectivity
As of April 16, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds are priced at $99.99 and come in five color variants. They can be purchased directly from Skullcandy or through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Whether these earbuds truly fulfill their promise of delivering premium sound at an economical price is yet to be determined—but they certainly merit attention.